Blackwater has signed up veteran guard Dennis Miranda for the rest of the PBA Governors’ Cup in the hopes pr providing stability to the backcourt of the Elite as they try to improve their bid for a playoff berth.
Now on his 11th season, Miranda agreed to the deal after his former team TNT KaTropa released him after the Commissioner’s Cup. Blackwater will be Miranda’s seventh PBA team.
Blackwater team manager Jonson Martines declined to comment when asked regarding details of the contract.
Originally selected by the now defunct Cola-Cola with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2005 PBA Rookie Draft after winning a UAAP title with Far Eastern University, Martines said they expect Miranda to play a key role in their campaign.
“He’s a veteran player and he has won a couple of titles in the PBA. The management feels that Denok is a crucial addition to our team. He will also help in developing our young players,” said Martines.
After his stint with Coke, Miranda was dealt to Sta. Lucia Realty before the 2006 season and helped the Realtors win the Philippine Cup championship. He also suited up for San Miguel Beer (formerly Petron Blaze) that won the 2011 Governors’ Cup title.
The now 34-year-old Miranda also played for Barako Bull and Globalport before joining TNT for the 2015-16 PBA Season. The Texters released Miranda after the team signed rookie free agent guard Kris Rosales.
Aside from having additional veteran on its guard rotation, another reason why Blackwater signed Miranda is the departure of rookie guard Almond Vosotros, who will see action for the Gilas Cadet in this month’s FIBA Asia Challenge Cup in Tehran, Iran.
The 6-foot-1 Miranda will join Blackwater’s backcourt that has fellow veteran in Mike Cortez, sophomore Raffy Reyes, Roi Sumang and Palestinian reinforcement Imad Qahwash.
Miranda has career averages of almost seven points per game, 2.70 rebounds and 3.20 assists.
The signing of Miranda comes at a time that Blackwater is still hurting with the injury of 6-foot-8 center PJ Erram, who is likely out for the season with an ACL injury he sustained in their last game against TNT.
Blackwater currently sports a 1-4 record and is tied with three other teams – Globalport, Alaska and Star. Miranda will make his Elite debut tomorrow against Meralco.
